Texans like power near goal line

Bears need gap discipline to stop running game in red zone

Inside the 10-yard line, the Texans are a power football team, so think base two-back running schemes with Arian Foster designed to test the Bears defensive front Sunday night.

Using the All-22 coaches tape, here is an example of how Foster and the Texans beat the Bills for a touchdown last week.

The Texans have their regular personnel (two wide receivers, one tight end, two backs) on the field in a Pro I alignment versus the Bills' Over Cover-1 defense (eight-man front). With wide receiver Kevin Walter coming back across the formation on a crunch (or wham) block on the open (weak) side defensive end, the Texans will double team the defensive tackle and run the Lead Strong. That is, a base scheme with Foster following the fullback up through the hole.

How do the Bills defend the run? The defensive tackle will work to hold the point (occupy both the center and guard) against the double team with the Sam Backer using a "hammer" technique (attack outside shoulder of the blocker) versus the fullback. With the cornerback following his coverage (Walter on the crunch block), the Mike Backer has to scrape to the play side gap and fill the hole. However, in this situation, the Mike Backer attacks inside allowing the center to come off the double team and seal him from the play.

On this finish, the Texans have created a running lane where Foster can burst through the hole, lower his pad level and get in the end zone for six points. For the Bears, gap discipline and technique at the point of attack are vital to limiting the Texans' run game in the red zone against one of the NFL's top running backs.

Twitter @MattBowen41

Special contributor Matt Bowen, who played at Glenbard West and Iowa, spent seven seasons in the NFL as a strong safety. You also can find his work at nationalfootballpost.com.